Page 16 of Forever Wolf

“Okay?” she asks, turning her head to look at me through the strands of her hair. “No, I’m not.” She wriggles on my lap, drawing my attention to our shared moisture. “I’m freaking amazing.”

The first genuine smile since she walked out of my office spreads across my face. I roll over, pinning her underneath me. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”

I press a kiss against her lips and reluctantly walk to the ensuite washroom. I feel Carli’s eyes on me, and when I look over my shoulder, she’s checking out my ass. I wink at her before disappearing to get a clean, wet cloth.

When I come back, Carli’s stretched out, showing no sign of wanting to cover her nakedness. Her chest is flush, arms spread to her sides, and legs wide open. I see my cum smeared over her thighs and I want to take her all over again. I stride towards her, kneeling between her legs before pressing my lips against the bump of her stomach. Carli jerks, sighing softly when I run the cold washcloth over her center.

“I can’t believe I’m here with you,” I whisper more to myself than her.

All the trauma and emotional turmoil of the last few days suddenly washes away, replaced with something so much better. I have to take a moment to remind myself that Carli is indeed carrying my child. That she’s mine now. That I got my second chance and I’ll never let love go easy like before.

“You’re not leaving, are you?” Carli asks, pulling me up close to her by my arms. I drop the cloth and snuggle beside her. Her eyes shine with a vulnerability that makes my protective instincts go wild.

“Not even if you chase me away.” I push back a strand of her hair. “When I do need to leave for Rockport though, will you come with me?”

Carli sighs, shifting to look up at the ceiling. “I’m not sure. Things have been…peaceful here."

I smooth circles over her belly. “That’s okay. As long as you tell me all about it. I want to know every single thing I missed out.”

“Mhmm, I’ll tell you.” Carli yawns, eyes fluttering sleepily as she cuddles closer to me.

“Now?” I tease.

“Sure,” she says before her eyes close and soft snores spill out.

I chuckle quietly, wrapping my arms tighter around her, but being careful not to squash her too much. I feel her breath on my neck, her hair tickling my chest. With a content exhale, I find myself giving in to the exhaustion.

Only this time, I have a smile on my face and my limbs are loose with ease like never before.

* * *

I wake up before the sun rises, then spend twenty minutes memorizing Carli’s features, adoring her for simply existing. When my stomach grumbles with hunger, I curse at it for forcing me to get out of bed. I take a quick shower before padding into her kitchen and scanning the items stored in the cupboards and fridge. Cereal, peanut butter, a packet of unwashed grapes, a loaf of bread and a few eggs. That’s all. Oh and a packet of skittles tucked inside a coffee cup.

Slipping out quietly, I go grocery shopping, making sure to get all the nutrients there are. On my way over I do a quick search of what pregnant women should and shouldn’t consume and with that knowledge I come back to the apartment carrying four big bags of shopping in both arms.

It doesn't take much time to organize things. I know Carli will get mad when she discovers I’ve got her groceries, but she’ll have to deal with me taking care of her now. I’m aware she can do it herself. My woman is strong, but she’s mine after all. I’m gonna carry her burden while she carries my child. And then I’ll get her pregnant again and—

Woah.I jolt.Where did that thought come from?

There’s still a lot I need to take care of back home. Devon, Beth, Black valley. None of those threats are eliminated. I’m planning to get them out of the way permanently to build a life with Carli. A safe life. I smile at the thought of what could come next for her and me.

The morning goes slow with Carli still asleep. After cooking a healthy breakfast of eggs, smashed avocado and fresh salsa, I start to wander around. The place looks homey. She’s definitely worked hard to build something for herself here. There are little decorative ornaments, her belongings scattered all over the place, and lastly the nursery. As I push open the door, a lump forms in my throat.

I was supposed to do this with her.

I swallow thickly. The days when I used to plan the interior of the nursery with Beth feel like eons ago. But I remember it. How Carli’s ideas clashed with Beth’s, and the lingering feeling of discomfort I felt whenever I thought of Beth having my child. All I can feel now is bliss. Pure happiness. Images flash through my mind; children running across the room, tugging my hand and calling me dad. Carli rocking on the chair by the window, breastfeeding an infant and smiling lovingly at me. I’ll have a family of my own.

I lean against the door jamb, taking in the walls, the unfinished deco and the pieces of wood piled near a box. I go over to it, crouching down and seeing its pieces of a crib. Carli must have found it difficult to make. I chuckle at the image of her looking annoyedly at them and wondering how they fit together. Sitting crossed legged, I push the sleeves of my shirt up and get to work, reading the instructions carefully.

Time passes, the sun rises higher and I finish the crib. Pushing it to the wall, I clean up the sawdust and the paper. I’m about to walk out the nursery when Carli comes sauntering in, rubbing sleep from her eyes. Unfortunately her pretty body is covered with a robe.

“I was looking for you,” she smiles at me as I go closer and pull her in for a hug.

“I kept myself busy while you slept, I hope you don’t mind.”

At that, Carli looks over my shoulder at the crib, her face unreadable. “I was going to do that myself.” She huffs, but isn't angry.

“Well, I took care of it. Just like I’ll take care of other stuff for you.” Placing my palms on both of her cheeks, I tip her head up to get her eyes back on me. “I’m going to take care of you, and I’ll hear no argument about it, alright?”

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